Technical Product Dossier

Cellulose-based performance chemistry for industrial applications

Industrial corrugated packaging with hydrophobic treatment
AI-generated for design purposes — Treated corrugated packaging substrate
R&sup4; REDUCE · REUSE RECYCLE · REMARKABLE Reduce · Reuse · Recycle · Remarkable
  • Develops and licenses proprietary aqueous chemistries that render cellulose-based substrates hydrophobic, fire-resistant, and insect-resistant at industrial scale
  • Formulations are designed for integration into existing wet-end and surface-application processes at paper mills and specialty converters
  • Target substrates include containerboard, corrugated medium, molded fiber, cork composites, pallet lumber, and agricultural cellulose products
Paper Packaging Pallets Cork Composites Molded Fiber Ag Products
Contact Angle
>110°
Placeholder — goniometer
Cobb60
<25g/m²
Placeholder — 60s absorption
Burst Strength
+18% psi
Placeholder vs untreated
Repulpability
92%
Placeholder — WMU method
WVTR
48g/m²/day
Placeholder — ASTM E96
Substrates Tested
6+
Paper, cork, wood, fiber, ag
Active Patents
2filed
Provisional & utility
Fire Rating
V-1equiv.
Placeholder — UL-94 style
Insect Resistance
Pass
Placeholder — method TBD

Chemistry Platform

Four-pillar bonding mechanism for durable substrate modification

The BEST chemistry platform achieves durable hydrophobicity through a multi-step bonding sequence applied to cellulose-rich substrates. Unlike conventional sizing agents that rely on a single mechanism, the BEST approach sequentially activates the fiber surface, deposits a functional barrier layer, forms permanent bonds, and locks the system via thermal cross-linking.

1. Hydrolyzation
Controlled hydrolysis of reactive precursor groups generates active silanol species in aqueous solution, enabling interaction with hydroxyl-rich cellulose surfaces.
2. Physisorption
Hydrolyzed intermediates adsorb onto the cellulose substrate through hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions, forming a conformal precursor layer.
3. Covalent Bonding
Condensation reactions between adsorbed silanol groups and substrate hydroxyl groups form stable Si–O–C covalent linkages at the fiber interface.
4. Curing
Thermal treatment drives further condensation and cross-linking of the deposited network, yielding a durable, hydrophobic polysiloxane coating covalently anchored to the substrate.
Chemical bonding mechanism diagram showing four stages of cellulose surface treatment
AI-generated illustration — Four-pillar bonding mechanism (conceptual). Replace with technical vector diagram.

The active formulation is delivered as an aqueous concentrate designed for dilution at the point of application. Typical addition rates range from 0.5–3.0% by weight on dry fiber, depending on substrate basis weight and target performance level. The chemistry is compatible with standard wet-end addition, size press application, and spray-booth surface treatment configurations.

Key formulation attributes:

  • Aqueous-based — no organic solvents required
  • pH-stable across typical process ranges (5.5–8.5)
  • Compatible with common retention aids and starch systems
  • Shelf life >12 months at ambient storage

Optimal cross-linking occurs during the standard paper drying process. No additional thermal treatment equipment is required for most grades. Typical dryer section temperatures (100–150°C surface) are sufficient to initiate and complete the condensation reactions within normal residence times.

For off-machine applications (e.g., pallet treatment), a separate curing step at 110–130°C for 5–15 minutes is recommended. Lower temperatures extend cure time but do not prevent cross-linking.

Treated substrates remain repulpable under standard recycling conditions. Preliminary testing (WMU protocol, placeholder) indicates >90% fiber recovery after repulping at elevated pH. The coating does not introduce persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, or PFAS compounds.

The BEST chemistry is explicitly designed as a PFAS-free alternative to fluorochemical-based sizing and water resistance treatments currently being phased out under regulatory pressure in multiple jurisdictions.

Product Portfolio

Application-specific formulations for industrial substrates

Treated paper samples showing water beading on surface Core Product

  The BEST Solution, Paper

Download Data Sheet

Aqueous formulation for wet-end or size press application to paper and containerboard substrates. Provides durable hydrophobicity, improved wet strength, and enhanced moisture barrier properties while maintaining repulpability.

  • Reduces Cobb60 values by 60–80% vs untreated substrate (placeholder)
  • Maintains burst and tensile strength within 5% of untreated baseline (placeholder)
  • Compatible with standard OCC furnish and virgin fiber blends
  • PFAS-free formulation — no fluorochemical content
  • Applicable at 0.5–2.5% addition rate (dry weight on fiber)
PropertyValueMethod
AppearanceClear to slightly hazy liquidVisual
pH (as supplied)6.5 – 7.5ASTM E70
Solids Content18 – 22%Gravimetric
Density1.02 – 1.06 g/mLASTM D1475
Shelf Life>12 monthsAmbient storage

All values are placeholder estimates for design purposes.

  • Corrugated containerboard (single-wall and double-wall)
  • Linerboard and medium grades
  • Folding carton stock
  • Molded fiber packaging
  • Industrial paper tubes and cores

Trial quantities available for qualified customers under NDA. Minimum trial order: 1 tote (275 gal). On-site technical support available for initial trials.

Detailed application protocols available under NDA.
Industrial treated wooden pallets

  The BEST Pallet

Download Data Sheet

Treatment system for wooden pallet lumber and composite pallet materials. Provides water resistance, mold inhibition, insect deterrence, and fire retardancy in a single application step.

  • Multi-functional: hydrophobic + fire retardant + insect resistant in one treatment
  • Reduces moisture uptake by >50% vs untreated lumber (placeholder)
  • Compatible with ISPM-15 heat treatment requirements
  • Applicable via dip, spray, or pressure treatment
  • Extends pallet service life by estimated 2–3x (placeholder)
PropertyValueMethod
Water Absorption (24h soak)<15% weight gainASTM D1037
Fire RatingV-1 equivalent (placeholder)UL-94 style
Insect DeterrencePass (placeholder)Method TBD
Coverage Rate200–350 sq ft/galSpray application

All values are placeholder estimates for design purposes.

  • GMA-style wooden pallets (48x40)
  • Block and stringer pallet configurations
  • Composite lumber pallets
  • Pallet crating and dunnage

Field trials in progress with regional pallet manufacturers. Performance data expected Q2 2026 (placeholder timeline).

Cork composite board with protective treatment

  The BEST Cork

Download Data Sheet

Treatment for cork-based composite boards and panels. Enhances moisture resistance, dimensional stability, and acoustic performance while preserving the natural thermal insulation properties of cork.

  • Reduces moisture-induced swelling by >40% (placeholder)
  • Maintains NRC 0.55+ acoustic absorption rating (placeholder)
  • Compatible with standard cork composite binders
  • Suitable for interior and exterior applications
  • Patent application in progress for corkboard formulation
PropertyValueMethod
Moisture Resistance<5% swell after 24h soak (placeholder)ASTM D1037
Thermal Conductivity0.040 W/m·K (placeholder)ASTM C518
Acoustic NRC0.55–0.65 (placeholder)ASTM C423
  • Architectural cork wall tiles
  • Cork composite underlayment
  • Acoustic insulation panels
  • Cork-based packaging inserts

Acoustic insulation testing underway. Patent application covers specific binder-treatment interaction for enhanced durability.

Molded fiber flowerpot with hydrophobic treatment

  The BEST Flowerpot

Download Data Sheet

Treatment for molded fiber horticultural containers. Extends functional life of fiber-based pots by providing sustained water resistance without compromising biodegradability in soil environments.

  • Extends functional pot life from weeks to months under irrigation (placeholder)
  • Maintains structural integrity through >50 wet/dry cycles (placeholder)
  • Biodegrades in soil within 12–24 months after end of use (placeholder)
  • Compatible with standard molded fiber production equipment
PropertyValueMethod
Wet/Dry Cycle Endurance>50 cycles (placeholder)Internal method
Water Absorption (1h)<20% weight gain (placeholder)Modified Cobb
Biodegradation12–24 months in soil (placeholder)ASTM D5988
  • Nursery propagation pots
  • Retail garden center containers
  • Seed starting trays

Suitable for direct-plant-in-ground applications. Treatment does not impede root penetration through pot wall at end of functional life.

  The BEST Agricultural Products

A family of cellulose-based agricultural products treated for outdoor durability, moisture resistance, and pest deterrence.

Weed barrier fabric in agricultural field

Weed Block

Data Sheet
  • Cellulose-based weed suppression mat with hydrophobic treatment
  • Blocks light transmission while allowing water vapor exchange
  • Biodegrades at end of growing season — no removal required
  • Replaces plastic landscape fabric in seasonal applications
Fiber tree skirt around base of young tree

Tree Skirts

Data Sheet
  • Pre-cut fiber rings for weed suppression around tree bases
  • Insect-repellent treatment deters bark-damaging pests (placeholder)
  • Maintains moisture in root zone while blocking surface weeds
Treated fiber garden stakes supporting plants

Garden Stakes

Data Sheet
  • Compressed fiber stakes with moisture and rot resistance
  • Load-bearing capacity sufficient for tomato and vine support (placeholder)
  • Fully compostable at end of growing season

Performance Data

Testing metrics, comparison data, and third-party references

Disclaimer: All metrics shown are placeholders for design purposes pending final reports. Values are representative estimates based on preliminary testing and should not be cited in commercial or regulatory contexts.

  BEST-Treated vs Untreated & Conventional

Metric Untreated Conventional Sizing BEST-Treated Unit Method
Cobb60 120–180 40–60 18–25 g/m² TAPPI T441
Contact Angle <30° 75–90° >110° degrees Sessile drop
Burst Strength 42 40 50 psi TAPPI T403
WVTR >500 120–200 40–55 g/m²/day ASTM E96
Repulpability 98% 85–92% 90–95% % fiber recovery WMU method
Fire Resistance None None V-1 equiv. UL-94 style Placeholder
Insect Resistance None None Pass Method TBD

All values are placeholders for design mockup. Actual test results pending.

  Performance Comparison (Placeholder)

Cobb60 Water Absorption (lower is better)

Untreated
155 g/m²
Conventional
50 g/m²
BEST-Treated
22 g/m²

Contact Angle (higher is better)

Untreated
25°
Conventional
82°
BEST-Treated
114°

Burst Strength (higher is better)

Untreated
42 psi
Conventional
40 psi
BEST-Treated
50 psi
Reduce/Strength
50psi
Axchem testing (placeholder)
Contact Angle
>110°
Smurfit (restricted) (placeholder)
Cobb60
22g/m²
60s immersion (placeholder)
WVTR
48g/m²/day
ASTM E96 (placeholder)
Repulpability
92%
WMU/Smurfit ref (placeholder)
Fire Resistance
V-1equiv.
UL-94 style (placeholder)
Contact angle data (Smurfit) is restricted. Do not share externally without NDA.
Cobb test apparatus measuring water absorption
AI-generated — Cobb test bench
Contact angle measurement showing water droplet on treated surface
AI-generated — Contact angle goniometry
SEM microscopy of cellulose fiber with hydrophobic coating
AI-generated — Cellulose fiber SEM
Side by side comparison of coated and uncoated paper edge
AI-generated — Treated vs untreated edge

Certifications & Compliance

Regulatory status, third-party testing, and intellectual property

All certification statuses shown are placeholders. Actual certifications and test reports will be inserted when available.
Recyclability Certification
Repulpability testing per WMU protocol. Fiber recovery >90% confirmed (placeholder).
In Progress
Food-Safe Certification
Axchem third-party food contact safety assessment (placeholder). FDA 21 CFR compliance pathway.
Pending
Acoustic Insulation
NRC testing for cork composite panels. ASTM C423 protocol (placeholder).
In Progress
Patent Status — Corkboard
Provisional patent application filed covering treated cork composite formulation and manufacturing process.
Available Under NDA
Fire Resistance Rating
UL-94 style vertical burn testing. V-1 equivalent rating target (placeholder).
Pending
Insect Resistance Testing
Standardized insect deterrence testing. Test method and laboratory to be determined.
Pending

Leadership

Technical and commercial principals

Rich
Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Background in sustainable materials commercialization and industrial technology licensing. Led the identification of the cellulose treatment opportunity and assembled the technical team. Focused on strategic partnerships with paper mills and specialty chemical distributors. [Placeholder bio — expand with actual background.]

Bob
R&D / Chemistry Lead

Leads formulation development and the four-pillar bonding mechanism research. Experience in silane chemistry, surface modification, and industrial coating systems. Responsible for scaling laboratory formulations to production-grade processes and managing third-party testing programs. [Placeholder bio — expand with credentials and publications.]

Fred
Product & Commercial Lead

Manages product-market fit, customer trials, and commercial pipeline development. Background in specialty chemicals sales and technical service for the pulp and paper industry. Coordinates field trials and manages the product data sheet library. [Placeholder bio — expand with industry experience.]

Contact & Inquiries

Technical inquiries, NDA requests, and specification submissions

  Technical Inquiry

PDF, DOC, XLS, or TXT. Max 10 MB.

  Direct Contact

For immediate inquiries or to schedule a technical briefing:

info@besustainabletech.com
(555) 000-0000
[Address Placeholder]